Last weekend, Verbier held the first stage of this year's ISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation) World Cup. The ISMF are the body responsible for competitive ski mountaineering and each year hold events across the world from the Alps to the USA to Russia.
Over the last century the sport of 'skimo' racing has developed significantly from the original military patrols used as a test for soliders, to inclusion of it in the winter olympics as a skimo / biathlon crossover. What is most interesting now is with the development of lighter gear the techniques used are becoming closer to those of cross country skiing and many more people are using it for fitness training both off and on the pistes. Soon after these original races the 'big 3', Patrouille des Glaciers, Pierra Menta, and Mezzelama developed, and thereafter came the 'modern day' vertical races. In addition to the tradition team races that happen every year, there are various world cup series, and most larger ski resorts hold a vertical rando race of some sort. 
The individual race took place on Saturday, the vertical on Sunday. With chances to obtain points in each race, most of the competitors entered both.
The first race, the individual competition took place at Bruson, covered 1770m of ascent over four skinning sections reaching a maximum height of 2445m at the top of the Six-Blanc. It was exciting to watch the start of the race as they set off almost running up the steep intial hill. At the first gun the senior mens team raced off in their Pierre Gignoux boots, ultralight Trab skis, and lycra skinsuits that hung off their super lean bodies. This was followed by the other categories and the Swiss cup race. There was a reasonable turn out of spectators, however we were a bit disappointed to find a lack of trade stands and other advertisements both in the village and at the race itself. The drums and brass band were great though!
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| The Mens start of the individual race |
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| Start of the popular race on the Saturday, the biggest field of the day |
Sunday was the vertical race, from Medieres (between Le Chable and Verbier) to Les Ruinettes. Over 5km long, with around 755m of ascent. The winner completed the course in 39 mins, and the first female finished in 45mins. We watched them from the high street in town, and most of them looked exhausted already. After a win from Kilian Journet yesterday, he ran across the line, skis in his hands, just a few seconds behind to take third place.
You can find all of the race results and further details on the Verbier website.
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